Daily Archives: August 25, 2012

COLORADO LAWMAKERS ASK FOR AN EXTENSION OF CRP

Congressmen Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton have asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to extend the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for haying and livestock grazing through November. The pair of Congressmen wrote that an extension would carry Colorado cattlemen through the corn harvest. They say until corn, corn stalks and wheat grass are available for feed, cattle need to be able to graze on CRP land. If this does not occur, they fear many ranchers who have been able to withstand the drought thus far will be forced to sell their livestock in the final days before fall and winter feeds are available.

SWEETWATER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE IDENTIFIES MURDER VICTIM

The body of a young man found near Rock Springs on Sunday afternoon has been officially confirmed to be that of a missing Rock Springs youth, the victim of murder.

In a joint release, Sweetwater County Sheriff Rich Haskell, Rock Springs Police Chief Mike Lowell, and County Coroner Dale Majhanovich said the remains have been positively identified as those of Rigoberto Alvarado, Jr., 17, who was reported missing to the Rock Springs Police Department by his father on July 30.

Haskell said a group of people exploring the remains of long-abandoned coal camps and coal mining operations outside of Rock Springs came upon the body and notified authorities.

An autopsy was performed on August 21 in Loveland, Colorado, where Alvarado’s identity was confirmed and the manner of death determined to be homicide. Investigators said Alvarado sustained a range of injuries, but declined to describe them as the precise cause of death remains to be determined by ongoing forensic examination. The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock Springs Police Department are conducting a joint investigation.

Alvarado’s disappearance has been the subject of intense investigation since the day of his disappearance. Lowell said Police Department detectives and uniformed patrol officers have been systematically following up leads and conducting ground searches that included deployment of a Sheriff’s Office bloodhound and County Search & Rescue tracking dogs.

Officials said the focus of the investigation at this stage is on tracking Alvarado’s movements, particularly on July 29, when he left the family’s apartment in west Rock Springs at about 8:30 PM. He did not return home that night, and his father contacted the Police Department the next day.

A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of persons involved in Alvarado’s death. Anyone who has such information is asked to contact either the Rock Springs Police Department at (307) 389-0264 or the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office at (307) 350-4010.

Calls will be handled with discretion.

UPLAND BIRD HUNT OFFERED TO YOUTH, NOVICES IN BASALT

BASALT, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife will be offering youth and novice hunters an opportunity to participate in an organized, upland bird hunt at the Basalt State Wildlife Area on Sunday, Sept. 9.

Participants must possess a hunter education card, and must purchase a 2012 small game license prior to the event. Anyone 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent during the hunt.

Small game licenses can be purchased at any Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, online at wildlife.state.co.us, or by phone at 1-800-244-5613.

“This clinic is specifically designed for any novice hunter,” said Matt Yamashita, District Wildlife Manager of Basalt. “Whether you are a grown person just learning the sport or a youth needing mentorship, we encourage you to participate and learn how to be an ethical, responsible hunter.”

Activities will include a firearm safety refresher, practice shooting at clay targets and an introductory pheasant/chukar hunt.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife, working with co-sponsor National Rifle Association, will supply shotguns and ammunition. Participants may bring their own shotguns, however only 12 and 20 gauge ammunition will be supplied. Personal guns must be inspected by a wildlife officer before the hunt.

Wildlife managers say that in the past decade, the number of hunters in Colorado has not kept up with the increase in the state’s population, and license sales indicate a slight but steady decrease in number of hunters in the state. A primary reason is a lack of mentorship for novice hunters, wildlife managers said.

To reverse the trend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has implemented programs that encourage youth, novices and women to participate in organized hunts taught by agency personnel.

“Colorado has strong hunting tradition,” continued Yamashita. “Providing novice hunters with guidance and one-on-one instruction is an effective way to keep that tradition alive.”

Space is limited. To reserve your spot and get further details, including times and directions to the location, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s office in Glenwood Springs at 970-947-2920 before Sept. 9.

DENVER BRONCOS

The Denver Broncos host the San Francisco ’49ers Sunday. You can catch all the action live on 55 Country with the pre-game at 11 and the kick-off at 1.